Derek Lunsford vs Samson Dauda: The 2025 Mr. Olympia Showdown Heats Up After Pittsburgh Professional
Maybe the most important story popping out of the historical past making 2025 Pittsburgh Professional was the reemergence of “The Mutant” Nick Walker, who took eventual winner Derek Lunsford to the restrict over the weekend. However, whereas Walker is but to punch his ticket to the 2025 Olympia, Lunsford’s victory provides him nice momentum as he seems to be to regain the title of Mr ‘O’ from Samson Dauda in October. Fortunately, bodybuilding followers acquired to see each males on stage as they exchanged their predictions on what’s to come back, and why they suppose they are going to be victorious in Sin Metropolis.
Whereas the 2024 Mr Olympia winner, England’s Samson Dauda was not competing in Pittsburgh, he was on the town as a visitor poser on the occasion, resulting in a showdown with the 2023 Mr ‘O’ — a lot to the fan’s pleasure. Bodybuilding fans will recall that the majority critics had been anticipating both Lunsford or Hadi Choopan to win The Sandow Trophy in 2024, however the gold really went to London’s Samson Dauda, who impressed judges probably the most. Whereas Nick Walker could have put his rivals within the Open Division on discover, he’s but to qualify for bodybuilding’s largest occasion. To that finish, he’s introduced his participation within the New York Professional. However for now, at the least, the 2025 Mr. Olympia occasion is all concerning the Lunsford/Dauda rivalry.
What Phrases Did Derek Lunsford and Samson Dauda Change in Pittsburgh?
With each males now coaching for superstardom in Sin Metropolis, they made their intentions clear on stage in Pittsburgh when requested for his or her ideas by Bob Cicherillo. “I used to be right here this time final yr,” stated Dauda. “I misplaced on the Arnold as effectively … what occurred subsequent? It’s gonna occur once more.” Certainly, Dauda could have gained Mr Olympia in October 2024, nudging Derek Lunsford into second place final yr, however the roles had been reversed this March when Lunsford beat Dauda at The Arnold. As Dauda says, this isn’t the primary time he’s been an underdog. He got here second within the 2024 Arnold too (in opposition to Hadi Choopan), solely to go on and win the 2025 Olympia.
Lunsford, then again, is driving the crest of a wave as of late, after successful each the Arnold and the Pittsburgh Professional in 2025 and is now concentrating on the triple crown if he can win at this yr’s Olympia. “That triple crown, the Mr. Olympia title; probably the most prestigious title in all of bodybuilding, the place historical past is made, similar to this weekend, and I’m getting that title again,” he asserted. “Historical past will probably be written once more.”
Whereas each males talked a very good sport over the weekend, the proof will probably be offered on stage come October.
To pay money for your individual ticket for this thrilling showdown and to see different bodybuilding scores settled, click on right here for extra data on the 2025 Mr Olympia.
